Australian Tree Fern

A tree fern stretches overhead shoppers in greenhouse nursery

The Australian tree fern is also known in its native country as the lacy tree fern because of its delicate fronds. This fern is a tropical giant whose trunk can reach a height of 15 or even 30 feet. The long, large leaves form a handsome canopy and give a tropical feel to the landscape.

The fern should be planted in the shade in fertile, well-drained soil. The Australian tree fern (Sphaeropteris cooperiis) grows best in high humidity and very warm temperatures, so while it can be grown outside as a grand specimen in South Florida, gardeners in North Florida should treat it as a house plant. Like all ferns, the Australian tree fern likes to be kept moist.